Meeting Minutes
The Council of Graduate Students General Delegate Meeting
Friday, November 3, 2000 - 3:30 PM
Present: Officers: Ron Meyers (presiding), Kevin Cope, Briggs Cormier, Allyson Lowe
Executives: Anil Challa, Carmie Gade, Andrew Holbrook, Phil Huckelberry, Alecia Naugle
Voting Delegates: Robert Alvevez, Judit Bach, Farzan Bharuda, Betsy Breseman, Jill Burkhart, Anil Challa, Alysia Chaves, Alison Chism, Pankaj Choudhary, Karen Clarke-Keys, Jill Coleman, Lara Conrad, Roger Dashner, Jen Delong, Marc Dixon, Michael Duffy, Greg Emch, Kim Foster, Kay Fukueda, Carmie Gade, Leigh Anne Goldberg, Chene Heady, Andrew Holbrook, Melissa Horwitz, Karen Huber, Phil Huckelberry, Unmesh Kurup, Edward Lasseigne, Scott Leppla, E.J. Levy, Stacza Lipinski, Gillian McIntosh, Lisa Morrison, Elizabeth Moore, Alecia Naugle, Mark Nuckols, Megan Nussbaum, Judy M. Opalek, Justin Pepperney, Joe Pirone, Susan Printy, Arun Ramakrishnan, Scott Risley, Christina Rivera, Marsha Robinson, Kurset Sendir, Eve Scrogham, Reema Shafi, John Shea, Shannon Snyder, Dainta Teeple, Mario Tizzuni, Lisa Wallace, Kevin Weakley, Rachel Weidinger, Jennifer William, Song Xue, Jing Zhao
Non-Voting Delegates, Committee Representatives, Senators, Representatives and Guests: Jones, James Siddens
Ron called the meeting to order at 3:42 PM
Approval of Minutes
Moved to accept minutes by Huber, seconded Clarke-Keys
Motion to amend, Duffy: Susan Printy was omitted in attendance, Tizzuni was present, Emch was present.
Ron called question, passed by affirmation with one abstention
Delegate Issues
Foster: College Of Education delegates should see Foster after meeting for petition circulation.
Leppla: With upcoming football game, he's been working with USG to make ID info more flexible on ticket. He is concerned with Social Security number on ticket. Lowe: CSA has passed resolution that has condemned practice of putting SS# on ticket. Because of long advance time for printing tickets, this issue should be addressed for printed tickets next year. Leppla: Students only may use other students' tickets with permission. This policy is problematic, however, because it requires exchanging of BuckIDs. Changes are forthcoming.
Rivera: How will this seasons basketball tickets look? Lowe: Policy for printing tickets established last year, so will look the same.
Clarke-Keys: You must show marriage license each time you get tickets. Can't we establish a permanent record to end this inconvenience? Lowe: Unlikely, but I'll recommend it to ticket committee of Athletic Council. Faculty are also required to do this.
Holbrook: If you read Larry Lewellen, Vice President, Human Resources, e-mail, deduction for health insurance is post-tax. C. Rivera: how do you opt out of deduction? Lowe: We'll talk to Mr. Lewellen. Clarke-Keys: If you want to opt out, contact Guy Flora (flora.1@osu.edu) at Fees and Deposits and inform him of your preference. Meyers: Lewellen wants students to be able to choose options and is continuing to work on this. Tizzuni: Is there additional fee? Meyers: No, under TOPP there was but not now.
Lasseigne: CGS election activities? Cope: Project Vote 2000 has been active in registering, educating, and getting people to vote. Over 3,000 students were registered to vote. CGS has played an integral role in leading this, and Ron, Andrew, and Kevin have been working very hard on it. Look for our tent on the Oval this Tuesday.
Special Discussion
Meyers: Delegates and others ask, "How does CGS work?" We have a Constitution we carefully follow- please look at it. CGS works in a variety of ways. We have many committees; if you have an issue look at the appropriate committee, if there is none, you can probably form one. Various committees like this have been formed in the past. (housing, health insurance, etc.) Also look at chart of members.
At meetings we try to operate under Roberts Rules. There's a handout with a summary of RR in your packet. I've found it helpful to know them. The CGS Executive Committee helps run the organization. They are key leaders who consider and bring issues forward, but they don't hold elections or approve issues. The delegates do this by vote at delegate meetings. Any questions, please ask one of us. The CGS Executive Committee, Secretary, and Treasurer positions are volunteer, while the President and Vice President are GA;s.. CGS works with the university governance and administration to obtain information, share student views, and advocate for students. The CGS Executive Committee worked to draft the CGS goals and priorities. We often work with the appropriate administrators to advocate issues and push our agenda. For example, we are soon meeting with a committee on subsidized health care. When officers, Executive Committee members and CGS representatives work together on issues, we can get things done.
Questions:
Huckleberry: One of the problems we often have, with meetings every month and a loose structure, often issue are discussed one month and then not again for another month. I was interested if people are interested in a on-line discussion. For example, we could have a series of list serves. Clarke-Keys: How about a threaded discussion? Huckleberry: Depends Clarke-Keys we could have Conrad: it would be helpful to have an e-group account. Huber: I know what you're talking about I don't websites, but e-mail would be good Arun: Regarding bombardment, there are good solutions, compilations.
Officer Reports
President's Report
Each of you should have received the reports via e-mail. To summarize, Kevin was elected Secretary, delegate involvement is up, thanks to Allyson, and we are in good financial shape. As you get into the organization, your participation will make a big difference. The health petition is continuing; we now have over 800. Thanks to Phil and others for working on them. Feel free to photocopy the petition, because we want each one signed. We are compiling an email list of signers- and will give everyone the opportunity to opt out of emails. The Academic Plan is an important document for the university and graduate students that we've been working on . Five million new dollars for graduate student comp and benefits are included but it all goes to fellows. This is contrary to what we've worked for, and I've worked to change this. Your participation will make a difference. Chism: 5 million continuing, or one time Meyers: continuing, but continuing dollars can be reallocated. Huber: Where in Plan does it address the part about "just for fellows?" Meyers: page 18.
Vice President- Allyson Lowe
The Vice President requested to meet with delegates and committee representatives whose paperwork is in progress . Many committee opportunities are still available. In particular, the Library Council and Patents and copyrights are open, and are great opportunities to learn and serve. All delegates must serve on one committee, so please talk to me if you are not on a committee to learn your opportunities. She announced that the VP job is open, and she will not serve next quarter, due to her teaching obligations in her department. The position requires someone who is enthusiastic, and though it is helpful, it does not necessarily require someone who has been with CGS for years. A major responsibility is coordinating Research Forum. Please let others know about this opportunity. If you would like to work on the Research Forum, the Committee is meeting December to begin planning. Coleman: Do you have detailed information about the responsibilities of university and other committees? Lowe: Yes, but it is quite long, so please contact the appropriate committee chair for more information. Their contact information is in your delegate handbook. Most committees meet once a month, with an average commitment of 1.5-4 hours/month. Anu: With respect to Senate and RGC and committees, some graduate programs do not appear to be represented. Lowe: Departments aren't missing; they are under the umbrella of larger academic units.
Treasurer- Briggs Cormier
See Printed Copy. Largest expenditure is the PDF.
2ND page is 99-00 budget. Last year our budget was 46,000. We had $13,000 carry-over. We put half of carry-over in investments.
Secretary- Kevin Cope
Please send absence notifications to me at cope.24@osu.edu.
Committee Reports
Five new CGS Internal Committee Chairs have been appointed since the last meeting.
Andrew Holbrook- Legislative Affairs
A big battle over the Federal budget is underway in DC. The visa issue and subsidies of federal loans are very political. At this time, because of the elections, there is not much to report. However, on Oct 1, 2001, Clinton signed law that allows students to restructure their loans and obtain reduced interest rates. To be eligible, you must not have missed a loan payment. This is estimated to save students up to $16,000 in interest payments over the life of larger loans. Morrison: what if you've already missed a payment? Holbrook: You can make it next year, if you do not miss a payment over the next year. The question of handle the restructuring if you are presently in deferment is still up in the air. What does CGS do about lobbying Congress? Holbrook: We periodically go to DC to educate legislators and staff as part of the NAGPS "Lobby Day". We're working to expand our influence in state politics by working with the General Assembly. Lasseigne: There was Lantern article about student trustees and student trustee voting rights. What was that about? Lowe: Eighteen months ago student trustees were on the agenda for the Ohio General Assembly House Education Committee, but were not invited and did not show up. This was recently brought to the attention of the student trustees, and has been the subject of much discussion, as those trustees were state leaders in the effort to obtain student trustee voting rights. The voting rights issue has been on the statehouse agenda for 12 years. In the last several sessions, the bill to grant student trustees these rights has passed the House, but died in the Senate.
Phil Huckelberry- Compensation and Benefits
The petition drive for subsidized and low cost insurance is still in full swing. We need to increase communication in CGS, especially in the CGS Compensation and Benefits Subcommittee B, because students have strong opinions on this issue but there is a lack of communication. The Subcommittee met last month, and will meet again in November. Anyone interested in the committee should see me.
Carmie Gade- Campus Events
The Research Forum Subcommittee will meet sometime before Thanksgiving. The Research Forum is a great event to work on. The Committee will also do the spring picnic, and possibly the Spring Fest. Winter and Spring quarters are our busy time. If you are interested, please sign up.
Alicia Naugle- Professional Development Fund
The Subcommittee met twice since last month. Reviewed 50 applications, and awarded 13 graduate students $300 each to travel to conferences. Meyers: Thank you for your leadership and efforts.
Anil Challa- International Concerns Committee
The Committee met yesterday. They want to add international student perspectives to traditional issues such as insurance and housing. They plan to organize an international student symposium in Spring Quarter. Anil asked for as much input as possible, and he will gather international and domestic students to share perspectives on international issues. Email challa.2@osu.edu to join.
Old Business
Proposed change to CGS Bylaws
Huckleberry moved to table, Peron seconded, passed by affirmation.
Proposed CGS 2000-2001 Annual Goals and Priorities
Lowe: Introduction of bill. The CGS 2000-2001 Annual Goals and Priorities were introduced at the last meeting. Every year the CGS Executive Committee conducts a retreat to draft the Annual Goals and Priorities so we can have a unified position that we all can share with others. There are broad and subsidiary goals, and there is room to prioritize the goals. Some are continued issues from previous years. If you see items that are of interest to you, contact appropriate committee chair.
Weidinger: Question about housing goal: What is the proposed location for the housing near the Gateway? (Picture drawn by Meyers to explain)
Weidinger: Perhaps we should specify exactly where. Lowe: That can create legal problems if the actual parcels are identified, so don't do that.
Clarke-Keys: There is no language in here about married and family units, and there is a great need for this. Meyers: These units will be primarily single bedroom, with a few multiple bedroom units. We have worked for greatly increased housing, and would be glad to work with you on increasing family housing. We have supported others efforts to do so. Clarke-Keys: Anything beyond three stories is problematic for families. Are we looking to improve family housing elsewhere? Meyers: Yes we are working with the administration on Buckeye Village, and they have stated goals to build a new center at Buckeye village.
Huber Moved to accept CGS Annual Goals and Priorities. Chism seconded, passed by affirmation with two friendly amendments as stated above
Pirone: Concerning the Annual Compensation and Benefits, what is the status of optional domestic partners health insurance coverage? Who is holding it up? Lowe: The issue is at the Board of Trustees. They are not acting for its passage. Last year the Student Health Insurance Committee recommended it to Board but the Board is not willing to take up the issue, so it remains. Meyers: University is afraid of political fallout if it approves domestic partners. Pirone: So opposition to the coverage is in the legislature, not just Board? Lowe: Yes the opposition is in the legislature. Laseigne: How credible are the threats from the legislature? Lowe: Very credible. Meyers: The legislature is willing to cut the university budget, as evidenced in the huge cuts in the early 1990s, although those were in response to a state budget crisis Meyers: NAGPS has domestic partners plan, if you want access, pick up their flyer in the CGS office. Laseigne: What is current strategy for obtaining domestic partnership benefits? Lowe: The University has no across the board policy against these benefits. For example, football tickets are available for domestic partners. The university has argued that a critical mass of businesses needs to adopt domestic partnership to show legislature that tide is turning. Meyers: What we can do is to have more events in support of the issue that are public and more exposure in the university structure so it is on the university agenda. Perhaps we should ask Senate to consider the question. Breseman: I heard domestic partners coverage was not available anywhere in Ohio. Lowe: Several private institutions and many large businesses offer this coverage, as do many insurers. Public institutions vary in their provision, due to the political nature of the issue.
Naugle moved the previous question, Gade seconded, passed by affirmation, one abstention.
New Business
Elections
Election for RGC and Senate
Huckleberry moved to treat candidates as slate, Duffy seconded, approved by affirmation
Jill McIntosh: Interested in being humanities representative on RGC. She discussed her three essential aims for the committee: 1) to enhance quality of programs within her College; 2) to review programs in here College; 3) to make recommendations for executing and dean. On this committee I can make the most impact on what I'd like to accomplish, in terms of the quality of education and opportunities for teaching and learning.
Leigh Goldberg: Did my undergraduate degree at UT. Mainly interested in RGC because I'm member of student leadership council that works with COE. They will work well together. Is interested in recruiting for Material Science Engineering.
Beth Moore. I'm a master student in Natural Resources. Received my undergraduate degree from OSU in anthropology. I am a research associate with OSU Extension, working with outreach and extension. I'm working with a number of committees in my own department.
Kin Foster: Fourth year PhD student in Educational Policy and Leadership. Would like to serve on RGC to advocate on a university level.
Slate accepted via paper ballot
Nominations for VP spot
Huckleberry Moved to open nominations
Conrad seconded, passed by affirmation
Announcements
Meyers: Take literature about candidates for November election. Turkey sale by poultry science club. African American student service is doing food drive. Contact Ron to help host. Duffy: Human Rights Campaign is doing a literature drop for Gore /Lieberman. Talk to Duffy to get involved. Meyers: Please note that CGS is non-partisan, so anyone can announce any partisan events they wish. We give all perspectives opportunity. Lowe: Talk to me after meeting about committee and delegate appointments.
Tizzuni moved to adjourn, Duffy seconded, passed by affirmation
Respectfully submitted,
Kevin Cope
CGS Secretary
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